Reptiles and Amphibians Differences

Guest Author - Sylvie Leochko

Are reptiles and amphibians differences obvious? Unless you know what to look for, most people are unaware of all the differences between reptiles and amphibians. In fact, in order to know the differences, it is only logical to answer the following questions. What are reptiles? What are amphibians?

Usually, most people would do some research to answer these questions. They would explore some encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc. Here is a better option! Why not read all this information right here, right now? Let's keep reading and you will find everything that you have been looking for and more.

What are reptiles? They are cold-blooded vertebrates that usually creep or crawl and belong to the Reptilia Class. They are air breathing creatures. They lay amniotic eggs and their skin is covered with scales or scutes (bony scales or plates). The Reptilia Class includes: turtles, tuataras, crocodilians, snakes, lizards, tortoises and even their extinct ancestors, the dinosaurs.

What are amphibians? They are cold-blooded vertebrates belonging to the Amphibia Class. Adults are breathing using lungs as well as through their skin, which is moist and glandular. Larvae use gills to breathe in water. They lay eggs in water, which contain larvae. To the exception of Tropical frogs, which are born looking like miniature adults, most amphibians develop using two natural processes: symbiosis (while in the egg) and metamorphosis (from larvae to adulthood). The Amphibia Class includes: frogs, salamanders, toads, newts and caecilians.

What are the differences between reptiles and amphibians?

1) Reptiles' respiratory system is mainly based on the use of lungs while amphibians also use gills (as juveniles) and their moist and glandular skin.

2) They belong to different classes (Reptilia and Amphibia).

3) Reptiles lay amniotic eggs containing fully formed babies, by the time they are born. Amphibians lay eggs in water that contain larvae and depend on the nutrients contained in the jelly-like substance covering the eggs, for their development. Most amphibians will go through natural transformations to reach the adulthood appearance.

4) Finally, reptiles have skin covered with scales or scutes while amphibians have moist and glandular skin.

As you can see, there are differences between reptiles and amphibians. While these differences are not always obvious to the eye, they are, nonetheless, of scientific importance. These differences represent only the tip of the iceberg. I invite you to read more facts and interesting information on reptiles and amphibians in my other articles. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit the forum.